Dagger in the Library 2017

It was with much pride that I finally got my hands on the Dagger in the Library 2017 at a glittering awards ceremony in London on October 26.

To receive such an award is an honour so early in my career. It means so much because, in the early stages, it was librarians and readers who voted me onto the longlist. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for all the support they have given me since I was first published in 2012.

I grew up in a home that had few books. Libraries were very important to me. It breaks my heart that we are losing so many, along with the expertise of professional librarians and their amazing staff who can, and do, deliver so much more than books on shelves.

That's what makes this award all the more special.

Thank you, Mari x